The Story of a Hero Unlike Any Other
You must read this to the end. It is the story of Colonel Milad Al-Naddaf, a true hero.
In these very days of the year 2000, Lebanese Army officer Milad Al-Naddaf fell into an ambush set by the extremist group “Takfir wal-Hijra” in the Dinniyeh region. He was captured and placed in a room with his companion. The captors threatened them, saying that every hour, they would cut off a part of their bodies if they did not renounce their faith.
His companion pleaded with him to testify as they demanded, to save himself from their brutality, especially since he was a father to two daughters who were waiting for him on the eve of the holiday. But Milad refused to renounce his faith, even with the sword hanging over his neck!
His companion continued to beg him to accept their condition and save his life, assuring him that no one would ever know what had happened inside that dark room. But Milad remained steadfast in his faith with unimaginable courage.
At the top of every hour, the door would open, and the question would be repeated. And Milad like the millions of righteous martyrs before him, from the first, Saint Stephen, to the last martyr breathing his final breath today in defense of their faith refused again and again.
They continued to torture him, cruelly cutting off his limbs, while his companion desperately begged him to comply with their demands. Yet he stood firm in his refusal, until the final moment came, and he joined the ranks of the martyrs who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
After ten years, his companion, who survived because he was not of Milad’s religion, finally spoke of what he had witnessed. The barbarity of those who claimed to follow religion and the indescribable heroism and courage of a man who lived according to his faith.
How cowardly I am, and how heroic you are, Milad!!!
Milad Al-Naddaf’s story is one of extraordinary faith, resilience, and heroism. In the face of brutal torture and the certainty of death, he chose to stand firm in his beliefs rather than betray his conscience. His courage goes beyond mere bravery. It is the kind of unwavering conviction that has defined martyrs throughout history.
What makes his sacrifice even more profound is that he had every reason to yield: he was a father, he had a life waiting for him, and his survival could have been assured with just a few words. Yet, he refused to compromise his faith, knowing that some values are worth more than life itself.
His companion words after ten years acknowledging his own fear and Milad’s heroism serve as a powerful testament to the impact of true integrity. Milad’s story is not just one of martyrdom but of ultimate victory. The victory of faith over fear, of principle over survival, and of light over darkness.
